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Respiratory Distress

VSD, CHF, and Thoracic Mass In A 4-Year-Old Intact Male Sphynx Cat: Our Case Of the Month February 2023

The patient initially presented for an echocardiogram due to a heart murmur found during a routine wellness exam. An echocardiogram revealed a ventral septal defect. At a 4-month recheck echo, the patient was experiencing lethargy and labored breathing. Medications at that time were enalapril and furosemide. At a follow up echo a little over 4 months later, the patient presented again for labored breathing and continued lethargy. A few days prior, the patient had undergone a thoracocentesis in which a large amount of clear pleural effusion was aspirated from the chest. Current medications were vetmedin, furosemide, and clopidogrel.

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Aortic Dissection In A 16-Year-Old MN DSH Cat: Our Case Of the Month November 2022

The patient with a history of asthma (on Flovent® and prednisolone), presented for an abdominal ultrasound due to persistently elevated liver enzymes since 3/2022, and losing weight despite increased appetite. CBC/Chem: AL:T 510, ALP 329, T. bili 1.4, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis. Current meds: Denamarin 90 mgs q24 hrs, Metronidazole 50mgs q12 hrs, Amoxicillin 50 mgs q12 hrs. At the the time of ultrasound the patient was dyspneic and an SDEP® emergency echo was performed to assess the heart. Blood pressure post scan (tail) was 118/98 (99); patient was put in O2 chamber for support.

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Left Ventricular Cardiac Mass Invading The Pericardium In A 13-Year-Old MN Beagle Mix: Our Case of the Month

A 13-year-old MN Beagle mix with history of increased weakness and respiratory effort presented for a heart murmur, suspected pulmonary edema, enlarged liver, and possible cranial abdominal mass. The patient was abdominally retracting while breathing, but his mucous membranes remained consistently pink. The patient was started on furosemide 12.5 mg 3 tabs BID and Pimobendan 5 mg BID. CBC and blood chemistry found moderately high WBC count; poss. bands, Alk. Phos. 663. Urine specific gravity was 1.023.

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